It's a trend that's cropping up all over France, and the Lyon metropolitan area is no exception! At first glance, it looks like a classic roundabout. But take a closer look, and you'll see things are quite different! This new generation roundabout, known as the Dutch roundabout, is surrounded by a bidirectional bike lane, physically separated from the roadway, and an area reserved for pedestrians. The result: everyone has their own space, and there's a clear order of priority. Here, motor vehicles must always yield to pedestrians first, and then to cyclists, both when entering and exiting the roundabout. It's a rule that’s still not very well known and can catch unsuspecting drivers off guard.
Priority to the most vulnerable
The principle of the Dutch roundabout is simple: protect the most vulnerable users. Pedestrians go first, followed by cyclists. Cyclists have priority whether they are...
laugh from the right or the left, a real revolution in a country where right-side priority is deeply rooted in reflexes. However, cyclists must themselves let pedestrians pass before they engage. To support this change, specific stopping zones have been created at the exit of the roundabout to require vehicles to pause for a moment.The goal is clear: reduce usage conflicts, smooth out gentle movements, and improve overall safety. This new type of roundabout should soon arrive near Lyon, at the Mûriers roundabout in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite. It will actually be the very first Dutch-style roundabout in the Nantes metropolitan area, a highly observed experiment by neighboring communities.
A necessary change in habits
Naturally, this type of setup requires a bit of adjustment time. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians need to learn to read each other, to slow down, and to...Participate more. In the first few days, the surprise is often palpable, sometimes accompanied by a little honk or a questioning glance. But in countries where this model is already widely adopted, especially in the Netherlands, it has proven its worth in terms of road safety.
If you ever find yourself at this kind of roundabout, here's a tip: slow down, observe, and respect the priorities. Whether you're behind the wheel, on a bike, or on foot, this roundabout is designed for a more peaceful coexistence!